autumn getaway: a washington, dc weekend
Because the wino and the hubs both spent their undergrad years in DC, I’m no stranger to the Washington, DC weekend. I also managed to spend one sweltering summer spent interning on K Street. Though I don’t know the ins and outs of the city like they do (I blame the concentric circles), I do have a few must-sees up my sleeve.
Previously, it was my favorite place to visit in the springtime. Who can beat cherry blossom season? Then, the hubs and I had the chance to go down for his alumni weekend. I realized that a DC weekend is the perfect autumn getaway!
As with most of our weekend getaways, we rented a Zipcar and had some quality time on the road before arriving at the Savoy Suites. Though the Savoy served its purposes for the weekend (aka it was the perfect distance between AU and everything else we wanted to do that weekend), the hubs heard about the Hotel Tonight app just a few days prior. We checked the app on our way down just to see what kind of deal we could have gotten. We were seriously amazed. Major hotels in Georgetown and downton DC for under $100/night! Though we missed our chance this trip, we’ll definitely be consulting Hotel Tonight in the near future.
It all worked out though, because our room was really just a perfect hi/low mix.
Behold: the skeezy in-room jacuzzi behind the hubs on the left. To the right, the incredible view of the National Mall:
It was clean, that’s all the matters.
Though I could take or leave the Savoy Experience, I do have a few other places I can get behind…
Eastern Market – The hubs and I have strolled through the flea market a few times, but it was my last DC weekend in college that we discovered the crabcakes inside the main market. Since that fateful day, they’ve apparently become increasingly more popular because on our last visit in April 2011, they were sold out by the time we arrived. Basically, I had been dreaming about this crabcake sandwich for over a year and half. Just go, try one, and tell me you don’t feel the same. Dare you.
The White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office – It’s cheesy, I know, but walking past these DC staples give you a little reminder of what sets this city apart. If you have time, plan to take a tour of the White House. Though I have yet to cross this one off my DC bucket list, check out this post for some seriously helpful advice on planning your visit.
Also, aren’t the Eisenhower Offices so pretty and French-like?
The Newseum – I had heard amazing reviews of this museum and was not disappointed. Though the other museums have the benefit of being free on their side, this museum had a few exhibits that really got to me. Starting with the Berlin Wall:
And ending with the 9/11 Memorial Exhibit.
I mean, the front pages and the building spire? Luckily tissues were on hand for this one.
Also high on my list of favorite exhibits was the hall of Pulitzer Prize winning photos… though another complete tearjerker. Additionally, the terrace on the top floor offered a serious view of the Capitol:
Acqua al 2 – We missed out on their Florentine location, but I’d dare say that their DC version is pretty comparable. On the advice of my co-worker who lived in Florence for a semester, we opted for the pasta tasting and the Fileno Al Mirtilio… aka: blueberry filet. Sounds so weird, tastes SO good.
Bonus points to Acqua al 2? Its location in Captiol Hill makes for the perfect post-dinner stroll:
With the inauguration just around the corner, I’m guessing DC trips are in the works. I can tell you this much: head STRAIGHT for the crabcakes upon arrival and don’t let anyone hold you back.
xo!
the romantic
Lazy Travelers
The Lazy Travelers are two transatlantic best friends who have mastered the art of exploring a new city. Though Ashley is based in London and Carolyn is in Philadelphia, we'll use any excuse to reunite around the world. We’re professional bar hoppers, pub crawlers, and food testers, and you’ll never see us zipping around, checking things off a list of “must-sees.”
16 Comments
Raul (@ilivetotravel)
I also found the Newseum well worth the cost. I agree that the Berlin Wall and the spire from the WTC were very moving.
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Interview with the Ultimate Global Explorer: Len Stanmore
Lazy Travelers
i’m not even usually great at museums, but i could have spent a lot more time there than we had planned!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..autumn getaway: washington, dc
D.J. - The World of Deej
The Newseum is the best museum…period. I could spend all day on the terrace with an iced coffee:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..A Visit to The Culinary Institute of America
Lazy Travelers
definitely one of the best views in dc!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..autumn getaway: washington, dc
@mrsoaroundworld
I have never ever been to Washington.. but doesnt sound bad at all. Thank you for this, ladies!!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Meeting adventurer and TV presenter Simon Reeve
Lazy Travelers
mrs. o, you’d love!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..autumn getaway: washington, dc
Pola (@jettingaround)
3 times in DC and I haven’t been to Newseum yet… :/ That has to change, that’s one place in DC I really want to see. Great city, I always have a good time there.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Love padlocks in Seville
Lazy Travelers
definitely add it to your list–i kept putting it off, too.
Lazy Travelers recently posted..autumn getaway: washington, dc
Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h)
Each time I read about DC, I always think how much I need to get back. I wish it were closer to Texas. I do love the trees in the photos…makes me want to visit even more!
Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h) recently posted..Talking Texas with @LeeAbbamonte
Lazy Travelers
i wasn’t expecting the trees to be soo bright. but i blame this, like most things, on new york.
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Traveling Ted
I have never been to Washington D.C. either and every time someone mentions it I always say “I have always wanted to go there.” Reading this post, I said it again. Great tips! The autumn color looks gorgeous.
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Lazy Travelers
yes, definitely go!
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craig zabransky (@StayAdventurous)
never been to the newseum… it seems i have somewhere to go on my next trip to DC…. and i just might be there for the inauguration I am working on my invite to the ball as I type this…
stay adventurous, Craig
craig zabransky (@StayAdventurous) recently posted..Five Adventures That Top My List For 2013
Lazy Travelers
an invite? well that hardly sounds adventurous. you crash that ball!
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Francesca
I didn’t make it to Newseum on my one and only visit to DC… I know I’ll return so I’ll check it next time. I am SO envious of the hubs & the wino! If I could do it all over again, I’d definitely go to college in DC. Love the vibe there. And the White House tour is overrated, IMO. You’re not missing much.
Francesca recently posted..How a 3-year-old ends up with a bucket list
Lazy Travelers
i know, i loved being able to visit them in dc!! it’s one of the best college cities.
Lazy Travelers recently posted..we want to go with oh to vienna!